20-Year-Old On A Mission To End Loneliness Gives Seniors Rickshaw Rides

Sep 02, 2020 by apost team

We all have the freedom to travel about as we please, heading to the store when needed or enjoying a day at the park whenever we want. However, when you have a chronic health condition or begin to age, some of this independence can get taken away. That's why Fraser Johnston — a then 20-year-old medical student at Glasgow University in Scotland — decided to give seniors rickshaw rides to the countrside back in 2017.

Life can get very lonely when you no longer have the ability to drive a car, ride a train, or visit friends and family on a frequent basis.

In 2017, a 20-year-old Scottish medical student named Fraser sought to make life more enjoyable for those who do not have the independence and interaction they once did, as the Daily Record reports.

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When this young man began to think about all the times no one visited or checked in on those who are the loneliest, he knew he had to do something about it. While many of us have a friend to pull us out of a slump or brighten our day, some seniors simply have no one. Fraser saw it as his responsibility to eliminate as much of this disheartening lack of interaction as possible. Despite his young age at the time of just 20 years, Fraser understood the need for human interaction and the joy it can bring to the lives of others.

In an attempt to brighten the lives of as many elderly individuals as possible, Fraser soon got in contact with a local retirement home to discuss his ideas, according to the Daily Record. Now, visiting the home a few times a week, this young man has built a true connection with those sees often. Taking residents out on an exhilarating, yet safe, bike ride, Fraser provides exciting, new experiences for these nursing home residents. The goal of Fraser's company was to get nursing home residents outside for a bit to experience the great outdoors and enjoy the company of others.

Depending mainly on volunteers, this service has provided over 60 nursing home residents with enjoyable bike rides throughout the duration of its existence. One resident, named Mary, discussed her initial hesitance at going out on a ride. Yet, before long, she was inviting friends to go out with her to experience the great weather and good conversation it entailed.

Taking residents on rides around the nursing home, Fraser is careful not to travel too far away. However, as far as this young man's business plan goes, he wants to soar as far as he can. With plans to implement this service at additional resident facilities, Fraser wants to bring the joy of human interaction and time spent in the outdoors to as many elderly individuals as possible.

Quality of life is one of the biggest concerns for senior citizens, especially those residing in facilities. Fraser sees it as part of his responsibility to enhance the enjoyment and meaning that senior citizens experience as long as possible.

This story of a 20-year-old student who cares so much about his local senior citizen population is extremely touching. Taking time out of his own life to do so much for another person is highly commendable.

Show your friends the kind heart of this Scottish student and let us know what you think of this heart-warming story. We hope to be able to bring news of more stories like this to you soon. Thanks for visiting!